KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A cab driver was airlifted to the hospital after his car rear-ended a tanker truck Wednesday afternoon.

Highway 63 south of Kirksville was shutdown in both directions just before 4:00 p.m. so a medical helicopter could land on the roadway.

A "D & D" cab driven by 57-year-old Edward Montgomery of Kirksville slammed into the back of a tanker truck driven by Ronald Osterholt of Salix, Iowa on Highway 63 just south of Highway 11 west intersection.

The highway patrol says the truck was slowing down to make a right turn when the cab hit the rear.

Rescue crews had to cut Montgomery free from the car.

He was loaded into an ambulance and later transferred to an Air-Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.

Montgomery is listed in serious condition.